Chicago Bulls' Plans May Not Include Kirk Hinrich

When Derrick Rose went down with a torn ACL in the 2012 playoffs, Chicago Bulls management made it clear that they wanted their guy Kirk Hinrich to run the show at point guard for the time being.

Hinrich, who was originally drafted by the Bulls in 2003, returned to Chicago after being traded to the Washington Wizards in the summer of 2010. He also got more than what he bargained for when Rose went down yet again early in the 2013-14 season with a torn meniscus. Due to Rose’s injury, Hinrich was thrusted into the starting lineup for a second consecutive season.

Although he had his struggles in the 2014 playoffs, Hinrich did have a respectable season nonetheless. He averaged nine points, four assists, and two rebounds per game. While his stats won’t blow anyone away, Hinrich has drawn praise from head coach Tom Thibodeau for his ability to run the offense, and also for his defensive capabilities. He also received two votes to make the All-Defensive Team from writers and broadcasters.

However, Hinrich is also 33-years-old and is a free agent this summer. While the Bulls would love to have Hinrich back to finally play behind Rose, they more than likely do not want to spend more than the veteran minimum to bring him back. The Bulls also have backup D.J. Augustin as a free agent, and will try to bring him back as well if he takes a discount to stay in Chicago. Dallas Mavericks guard Devin Harris has also been rumored to be interested in coming to the Bulls.

With Rose coming back, the Bulls have plenty of options at the backup point guard position. If the Bulls fail to re-sign Augustin, then Hinrich’s chances of returning to Chicago will be high. The Bulls love his veteran presence on the team, and Hinrich has also been one of Thibodeau’s favorites over the last two seasons.

Hinrich is a solid point guard that can still contribute a lot to many teams. But as far as his future with the Bulls is concerned, he may not be back due to Rose’s impending return, and also the need to find more scorers.